March 24th is National Cheesesteak Day #NationalCheesesteakDay. I haven’t decided what were going to prepare for dinner this evening. If we hadn’t eaten out last night I would have asked David to stop by Charlie’s Cheesesteaks in the Mall or in Walmart.
David and Charlie could have a Cheesesteak for dinner this evening. Before you ask what about me I would have David pick up a Salad for me because I don’t eat Philly Cheesesteaks because there made with Lamb Meat I don’t care for. How about?
Join my family every March 24th when America pays tribute to one of the all-time classic Sandwiches the Cheesesteak. Much like national liberty itself, the Cheesesteak is elegant, necessary, pure, and was born in Philadelphia.
Did you know the Cheesesteak rose from humble beginnings in South Philly to the cultural icon it is today: safely secure in the Sandwich hall of fame. “Eat (ahem, read) on to celebrate National Cheesesteak Day.”
Did you know the Cheesesteak was created in 1930 when Pat Olivieri, owner of Pat’s King of Steak, and a Hot Dog vendor, grilled Beef and threw in Onions to make a Sandwich. This caught the attention of a nearby taxi driver, who proceeded to ask for one too. The rest, as they say, is history.
There are a few disputes to this story, but Pat and Harry Olivieri are predominantly credited with the invention of the Cheesesteak Sandwich. The cab driver who became interested in the tempting Sandwich that Pat was having, stopped to have one for himself. The sandwich was so delicious that the driver suggested that Pat stop selling Hot Dogs and, instead, start selling this new Sandwich.
Perfecting the recipe, the Steak Sandwich started selling like hotcakes at Olivieri’s Hot Dog stand near South Philadelphia’s Italian Market. The popularity of the Steak Sandwich led Pat to open his own eatery Pat’s King of Steaks.
The restaurant is still running successfully today. Interestingly, the original sandwich that Pat had did not have any Cheese. According to Olivieri, a manager named Joe Lorenza was the first to add Provolone Cheese to the Sandwiches at one of the restaurants located on Ridge Avenue.
Since then, Cheesesteaks have become immensely popular at food carts and restaurants throughout the City. Most of these eateries are owned and run by families, who have their unique spin on Cheesesteaks. Several fast-food restaurants also offer their variations of Cheesesteaks now. Outside of Philadelphia, the Sandwich is commonly known as ‘Philly Cheesesteak.’
National Cheesesteak Day Activities
- On National Cheesesteak Day eating a Cheesesteak seems obvious , but sometimes the obvious answer is the best. You can roll up your sleeves and craft your own Cheesesteak Sandwich, or you can pay a professional to make you a Cheesesteak. Just know that if the word Philly is in the name, it may not be the most authentic.
- If you have the time and money, take a pilgrimage to the magical land where it all started. There are a shocking amount of official Cheesesteak tours of Philadelphia, or you can go off the beaten path and create your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Just be sure to stop at Pat’s and Geno’s.
- Cheesesteaks may seem like the last thing that could be made Vegan, but there are countless, easy to follow recipes online for Plant-based Cheesesteaks. If you’re in the mood for a kitchen adventure, try a Cheesesteak made from Mushrooms, Vegetables, Soy, Wheat, Nuts, or pretty much anything else imaginable. Which I don’t know about you but my family will pass on.
Delicious Facts About Cheesesteak
- Did you know a Philly Taco is a Cheesesteak rolled up in a slice of Pizza. I don’t know about but that just doesn’t sound good does it?
- The original Cheesesteak didn’t any Cheese.
- The most expensive Cheesesteak is sold in Philly for $130, which comes with Champagne. I don’t care what it comes with I will pass. How about you?
- Did you know not all Cheesesteaks are made with Steak? My family didn’t know that. Did you?
- There’s a Cheesesteak Cheesecake. Would you like one because Charlie and I are going to pass on a Cheesesteak Cheesecake but knowing David he might try it. How about you?
Why People Love National Cheesesteak Day
- Did you know Philly Cheesesteaks are traditionally served with Cheez Whiz. End of discussion. You can argue this point forever, but that’s the way things currently stand in the motherland: Philadelphia, Pa.
- Delicious food doesn’t have to be fancy and there’s no denying it Cheesesteaks are downright delicious. Cheesesteaks prove that you don’t need all kinds of fancy trimmings and trappings to make a delectable Sandwich. Sometimes the only ingredients you need are the ones in the name.
- Cheesesteaks are a huge part of Philly culture and Philly loves Ben Franklin, the Eagles, and Cheesesteaks. In that order. Cheesesteaks are such an integral part of the City’s culture that Cheesesteaks generate tourism. But, whatever you do, don’t call it a “Philly Cheesesteak.” It’s just a Cheesesteak. Did you know that? I didn’t and neither did Charlie or David.
Recipe for Cheesesteak
Ingredients
2 to 2 1/2 pound strip loin, trimmed
Olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Soft hoagie rolls, split 3/4 open
Provolone Sauce, recipe follows
Sauteed Mushrooms, recipe follows
Caramelized Onions, recipe follows
Sauteed Peppers, recipe follows
Provolone Sauce:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, heated
1 cup grated aged provolone cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sauteed Mushrooms:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 1/2 pounds mushrooms (cremini and shiitake), coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Caramelized Onions:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoons canola oil
3 large Spanish onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sauteed Peppers:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 poblano peppers, thinly sliced
2 Cubano peppers, thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Place steak in freezer for 30 to 45 minutes; this makes it easier to slice the meat. Remove the meat from the freezer and slice very thinly.
- Heat griddle or grill pan over high heat. Brush steak slices with oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 45 to 60 seconds per side.
- Place several slices of the meat on the bottom half of the roll, spoon some of the cheese sauce over the meat, and top with the mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
Provolone Sauce: - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the warm milk, and cook, whisking constantly until thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat and whisk in the provolone and Parmesan until combined; season with the salt and pepper.
Sauteed Mushrooms: - Heat oil and butter in a large sauté pan over high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms are golden brown. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper.
Caramelized Onions: - Heat butter and oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook slowly until golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally, approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
Sauteed Peppers: - Heat the oil in medium sauté pan over high heat. Add the peppers and cook until soft. Season with salt and pepper.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
